We sent Noah to his people. He said: "O my people, worship God, for you have no other god but He. Will you not take heed for yourselves?" 23 But the eminent among those who disbelieved from his people said, "This is not but a man like yourselves who wishes to take precedence over you; and if Allah had willed [to send a messenger], He would have sent down angels. We have not heard of this among our forefathers. 24 He is not but a man possessed with madness, so wait concerning him for a time." 25 "O my Lord," prayed (Noah), "help me against them, for they accuse me of lies." 26 Thereupon We revealed to him, saying: "Build the Ark under Our eyes and according to Our revelation. And when Our command comes to pass and the oven boils over, take on board a pair each from every species, and also take your household except those of them against whom sentence has already been passed and do not plead to Me on behalf of the wrong-doers. They are doomed to be drowned. 27 When you and all your followers have settled in the Ark, say, "Praise be to God who has delivered us from a wicked people," 28 And say: My Lord! Cause me to land at a blessed landing-place, for Thou art Best of all who bring to land. 29 In this [story,] behold, there are messages indeed [for those who think]: for, verily, We always put [man] to a test. 30 Then We raised another generation after them, 31 And we sent among them a messenger of their own, saying: Serve Allah, Ye have no other Allah save Him. Will ye not ward off (evil)? 32